INSPIRATIONAL Wiveliscombe woman Sylvia Cottrell is among community heroes honoured by Somerset County Council.

Footpath champions, litter-pickers, village hall veterans and public loo saviours were among those recognised when council chairman Nigel Taylor presented annual awards.

Members of the public were asked to come forward with nominations for people who have made an outstanding contribution to their community.

The citation for Sylvia said: “Sylvia is truly an inspirational person. She is the chair of Wiveliscombe Memorial Ground and enabled us to collect a record sum for the poppy appeal because of the poppy displays around the town. She is a volunteer manager of the swimming pool, who trains life guards and gives swimming lessons.

“Over Remembrance Tide she rallied the town folks. The response was unbelievable. Wiveliscombe was decorated with over 10,000 knitted poppies. There was a great surge of pride and patriotism throughout the town. Sylvia’s selfless devotion to the community richly deserves official recognition.”

Cllr Taylor said: “These awards represent the sincere thanks of the county council for the great things that people do to help others. These are the people who give so much time to their communities – often unnoticed. The value added to our county is immeasurable.

“The range of what our community champions do is extraordinary and I was delighted to be able to show them that what they do is valued and appreciated.

“It is remarkable what people in all walks of life carry out, things that might not otherwise happen without their goodwill.”